Border Patrol busts suspected meth dealers in Perris

PERRIS – A chance check by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Perris led to the seizure of liquid methamphetamine stored inside an SUV, authorities said today.

Border Patrol agents looking for suspicious activity along Interstate 215 on Tuesday morning spotted a 2004 Chevrolet Blazer parked just off the freeway and decided to investigate, according to agency spokeswoman Mary Caston.

A 36-year-old woman at the wheel and her 30-year-old passenger, neither of whom were identified, were detained for questioning, and based on interviews with the suspects, a K-9 team was summoned to the location to search the SUV, she said.

”Agents located a gallon-sized container of liquid methamphetamine inside the cargo area and another inside the spare tire well,” Caston said. ”Continuing their search, agents recovered a total 2.64 gallons of liquid meth, spread between multiple containers.”

Liquid meth is the raw form of the crystallized substance. Boiling the liquid nets the type of meth most often smoked or injected by users.

The suspects were placed in the custody of Riverside County sheriff’s deputies and booked into jail.